Be. Differently.

No Lady Gaga at GRAMMYs? Tribute to Whitney by Jennifer Hudson. & Roecker Predictions for Music's Biggest Night

2012-02-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga, I have been told, has rented out several venues around Staples Center tonight for parties (home of tonight's GRAMMY Awards) but is not scheduled to perform? Something's fishy here - - and I thought Gaga and Cher would FINALLY debut their supposed duet together. The GRAMMY brass were scrambling to figure out how best to pay homage to Whitney Houston, who once had the greatest voice probably of all time, and who died yesterday afternoon in her hotel room before the annual Clive Davis party. Shocking. However, The Academy chose wisely and are having Oscar and GRAMMY Winner Jennifer Hudson pay tribute (Houston presented Ms. Hudson her first Grammy Award three years ago for her debut album when it won Best RandB album -- which ironically, was the first public appearance Hudson made after her mother and brother were murdered by her cousin). Hudson will bring out every emotion during a song if she can keep it together. None of us will, however, so cry on, Ms. Hudson...

Here are my predictions for some of the top Categories -- No real buzz at all about the show -- i've talked to a lot of people and the main draw is hearing Adele sing -- and now it's seeing how one of the greatest and most tragic singers of our time will be remembered on the GRAMMY Awards, the day after she died. May we all simply remember that voice and that we were blessed with it in our lives...

The Greatest Voice of All: Whitney Houston Dead at 48

2012-02-11T18:32:00.000-08:00

(AP)
LOS ANGELES - Whitney Houston, who ruled as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48.
Houston's publicist, Kristen Foster, said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown.

News of Houston's death came on the eve of music's biggest night — the Grammy Awards. It's a showcase where she once reigned, and her death was sure to case a heavy pall on Sunday's ceremony. Houston's longtime mentor Clive Davis was to hold his annual concert and dinner Saturday; it was unclear if it was going to go forward.
At her peak, Houston the golden girl of the music industry. From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world's best-selling artists. She wowed audiences with effortless, powerful, and peerless vocals that were rooted in the black church but made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen.
Her success carried her beyond music to movies, where she starred in hits like "The Bodyguard" and "Waiting to Exhale."

She had the he perfect voice, and the perfect image: a gorgeous singer who had sex appeal but was never overtly sexual, who maintained perfect poise.
She influenced a generation of younger singers, from Christina Aguilera to Mariah Carey, who when she first came out sounded so much like Houston that many thought it was Houston.
But by the end of her career, Houston became a stunning cautionary tale of the toll of drug use. Her album sales plummeted and the hits stopped coming; her once serene image was shattered by a wild demeanor and bizarre public appearances. She confessed to abusing cocaine, marijuana and pills, and her once pristine voice became raspy and hoarse, unable to hit the high notes as she had during her prime.

"The biggest devil is me. I'm either my best friend or my worst enemy," Houston told ABC's Diane Sawyer in an infamous 2002 interview with then-husband Brown by her side.
It was a tragic fall for a superstar who was one of the top-selling artists in pop music history, with more than 55 million records sold in the United States alone.

She seemed to be born into greatness. She was the daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston, the cousin of 1960s pop diva Dionne Warwick and the goddaughter of Aretha Franklin.

Houston first started singing in the church as a child. In her teens, she sang backup for Chaka Khan, Jermaine Jackson and others, in addition to modeling. It was around that time when music mogul Clive Davis first heard Houston perform.
"The time that I first saw her singing in her mother's act in a club ... it was such a stunning impact," Davis told "Good Morning America."
"To hear this young girl breathe such fire into this song. I mean, it really sent the proverbial tingles up my spine," he added.
Before long, the rest of the country would feel it, too. Houston made her album debut in 1985 with "Whitney Houston," which sold millions and spawned hit after hit. "Saving All My Love for You" brought her her first Grammy, for best female pop vocal. "How Will I Know," "You Give Good Love" and "The Greatest Love of All" also became hit singles.
Another multiplatinum album, "Whitney," came out in 1987 and included hits like "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" and "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."
The New York Times wrote that Houston "possesses one of her generation's most powerful gospel-trained voices, but she eschews many of the churchier mannerisms of her forerunners. She uses ornamental gospel phrasing only sparingly, and instead of projecting an earthy, tearful vulnerability, communicates cool self-assurance and strength, building pop ballads to majestic, sustained peaks of intensity."
Her decision not to follow the more soulful inflections of singers like Franklin drew criticism by some who saw her as playing down her black roots to go pop and reach white audiences. The criticism would become a constant refrain through much of her career. She was even booed during the "Soul Train Awards" in 1989.

"Sometimes it gets down to that, you know?" she told Katie Couric in 1996. "You're not black enough for them. I don't know. You're not R&B enough. You're very pop. The white audience has taken you away from them."
Some saw her 1992 marriage to former New Edition member and soul crooner Bobby Brown as an attempt to refute those critics. It seemed to be an odd union; she was seen as pop's pure princess while he had a bad-boy image, and already had children of his own. (The couple had a daughter, Bobbi Kristina, in 1993.) Over the years, he would be arrested several times, on charges ranging from DUI to failure to pay child support.

But Houston said their true personalities were not as far apart as people may have believed.

"When you love, you love. I mean, do you stop loving somebody because you have different images? You know, Bobby and I basically come from the same place," she told Rolling Stone in 1993. "You see somebody, and you deal with their image, that's their image. It's part of them, it's not the whole picture. I am not always in a sequined gown. I am nobody's angel. I can get down and dirty. I can get raunchy."

It would take several years, however, for the public to see that side of Houston. Her moving 1991 rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" at the Super Bowl, amid the first Gulf War, set a new standard and once again reaffirmed her as America's sweetheart.

In 1992, she became a star in the acting world with "The Bodyguard." Despite mixed reviews, the story of a singer (Houston) guarded by a former Secret Service agent (Kevin Costner) was an international success.
It also gave her perhaps her most memorable hit: a searing, stunning rendition of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You," which sat atop the charts for weeks. It was Grammy's record of the year and best female pop vocal, and the "Bodyguard" soundtrack was named album of the year.

She returned to the big screen in 1995-96 with "Waiting to Exhale" and "The Preacher's Wife." Both spawned soundtrack albums, and another hit studio album, "My Love Is Your Love," in 1998, brought her a Grammy for best female R&B vocal for the cut "It's Not Right But It's Okay."

But during these career and personal highs, Houston was using drugs. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2010, she said by the time "The Preacher's Wife" was released, "(doing drugs) was an everyday thing. ... I would do my work, but after I did my work, for a whole year or two, it was every day. ... I wasn't happy by that point in time. I was losing myself."

In the interview, Houston blamed her rocky marriage to Brown, which included a charge of domestic abuse against Brown in 1993. They divorced in 2007.

Houston would go to rehab twice before she would declare herself drug-free to Winfrey in 2010. But in the interim, there were missed concert dates, a stop at an airport due to drugs, and public meltdowns.

She was so startlingly thin during a 2001 Michael Jackson tribute concert that rumors spread she had died the next day. Her crude behavior and jittery appearance on Brown's reality show, "Being Bobby Brown," was an example of her sad decline. Her Sawyer interview, where she declared "crack is whack," was often parodied. She dropped out of the spotlight for a few years.

Houston staged what seemed to be a successful comeback with the 2009 album "I Look To You." The album debuted on the top of the charts, and would eventually go platinum.

Things soon fell apart. A concert to promote the album on "Good Morning America" went awry as Houston's voice sounded ragged and off-key. She blamed an interview with Winfrey for straining her voice.

A world tour launched overseas, however, only confirmed suspicions that Houston had lost her treasured gift, as she failed to hit notes and left many fans unimpressed; some walked out. Canceled concert dates raised speculation that she may have been abusing drugs, but she denied those claims and said she was in great shape, blaming illness for cancellations.

RealSing.org Launches Today to Go Head-to-Head with Auto-Tune & Vocal Manipulation Technology

2012-02-10T06:06:00.000-08:00

REALSING.ORG LAUNCHES TO CERTIFY RECORDINGS BY SINGERS WHO DO NOT USE PITCH CORRECTION OR TECHNOLOGY SUCH AS AUTO-TUNE ON RECORDINGS AND/OR RECORDED LIVE PERFORMANCES

LOS ANGELES (February 10, 2012)-- Launching today during GRAMMY® Week, RealSing.org is intended to give music fans and music makers an organic new standard of reference from which to measure vocal prowess, interpretation and mastery. RealSing.org and its RealSing Advisory Collective provide credible certification as to the authenticity of a singer’s vocal performance on audio recordings, broadcast media, tours and telecasts.  As Real Sing certifies more and more talented vocalists, the listening public will be empowered with a rich counterpoint to a sea of homogenized, Auto-Tuned vocal sound-alikes. The RealSing Collective is comprised of singers, songwriters, producers and engineers, as well as a growing number of industry organizations who want to elevate real singers by officially certifying that their recordings do not use pitch correction or Auto Tune technology. The Collective includes Tommy Lipuma, multi-GRAMMY® winning Producer/Arranger; Ginny Mancini, Chairwoman of Society of Singers; Phil Ramone, 15-time GRAMMY® Winning Producer/Engineer/Technologist; Wendy Moten, Singer; Rudy Perez, Singer/Songwriter/Producer; Al Schmitt, 17-time GRAMMY® -winning engineer; Society of Singers; Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House; the Brooklyn Opera and more.   Many recording artists who are in the headlines today also believe it is time to put the spotlight back on authentic vocal talent. Go to REALSING.ORG for quotes from artists, information on all Collective Members to date, and the step-by-step authentication process.

“Vocal pitch manipulating software strips away the nuances, tonal variations, distinctive twists, turns and artistic interpretation that define a true vocalist,” said Ron Roecker, RealSing spokesperson. “Had Auto-Tune been around when Patsy Cline was recording, we may never have known her rich, buttery slide or the unique stylings of Bob Dylan, Etta James, Michael Jackson, Tom Waits or Patti LaBelle. This year, legends Sir Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett are all GRAMMY® Nominees … we should be thankful that Auto-tune wasn’t around as they built their vocal legacies. But who will our children cite as their generation’s vocal legends, especially if we don’t take action now?”

The Recording Academy® Set Precedent 
In 1990, Milli Vanilli performed their international smash “Girl You Know It’s True” during the worldwide telecast of the 32^nd Annual GRAMMY® Awards. Their peers – singers, songwriters, engineers, producers and performers – honored the duo with that year’s Best New Artist GRAMMY®. Following the telecast and under great media, industry and fan scrutiny, The Recording Academy® revoked the duo's Best New Artist Award after they admitted to lip-syncing on the show and on the record. It was -- and remains-- the first time a GRAMMY® has ever been taken back from a winner in the 54-year history of the Awards. The Academy's response set a precedent that in order to win the highest honor in the industry, vocals that are recorded and submitted for GRAMMY consideration had to be – at the very least -- authentic. With any music awards show and any vocal category, it seems fair to say that in order to qualify for consideration the track has to be authentic. As we look to Sunday’s telecast, Real Sing hopes that standard is still being evaluated, monitored and authenticated, and we wish all of the nominees, presenters and performers the best of luck.

"At a time when live concerts, touring and televised performances are becoming more important than ever for bands and artists,” added Roecker. “The artists who deliver a pure live vocal performance with no lip-synching, pre-taping or pitch correction deserve to be acknowledged. As these artists are elevated, the fans become empowered; collectively we raise the bar back where it needs to be because no one wants “status quo” to be the highest bar that any of us cares to reach. That’s the real motivation behind RealSing.org.”

Steroids for the Voice

Many contend that pitch correction is akin to athletes taking steroids; even the most beloved athlete becomes viewed as little more than a cheat and fraud once we discover that he/she used performance enhancing substances. Singers are no different, and without a means to authenticate pure vocal performances, music fans are beginning to believe that everyone is either pitch -corrected or pitch-perfect. Neither is true.

Members of the RealSing Collective understand that Auto-Tune and pitch correction have their place in modern music. However, when a performer claims that his/her recordings are pure and free of technological manipulation when indeed they are not, then there needs to be a way for consumers to verify what is real and what is not.

A great singer is seldom just born a great singer. A really great singer navigates the road to success with innate talent, hard work, dogged determination, and rigorous studying of those great singers who came before. These singers deserve to be celebrated and their performances admired because their gifts endure and inspire.

For more information about RealSing, RealSing Collective Advisory Collective
and the Certification Process, please visit RealSing.org.

The 54^th Annual GRAMMY® Awards air live on CBS Sunday, February 12, 2012.

# # #

CONTACT:

Heather Medure

Enfluence Group

heather@enfluencegroup.com

Google Voice 424.354.1344

There are Some Bands We Want to See Back Together

2012-02-09T01:17:00.000-08:00

And there's The Beach Boys...who. cares. But talk Go-Gos or Fugees Reunion and we got the beat!!!

THE BEACH BOYS TO REUNITEON THE GRAMMY® STAGEAND JOIN WITH GRAMMY NOMINEES
FOSTER THE PEOPLE AND MAROON 5FOR A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE

THE CIVIL WARS, DIANA KRALL, MACEO PARKER, AND JOE WALSH ADDED TO THE LINEUP FOR
THE 54TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS®

Common, Taraji P. Henson, Reba McEntire, and Diana Ross Set to Present at the Music Industry's Premier Event

Music's Biggest Night® — Hosted by Rapper/Actor LL COOL J —Airs Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 ET/PT

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2012) —The Beach Boys — Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks, who have not performed together live in more than two decades — will reunite on the GRAMMY® stage and join with current GRAMMY nominees Foster The People and Maroon 5 for a special performance; and current nominees The Civil Wars, two-time GRAMMY winner Diana Krall, funk artist Maceo Parker, and six-time GRAMMY winner Joe Walsh have been added to the stellar lineup for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com). Two-time GRAMMY winner Common, actor Taraji P. Henson, two-time GRAMMY winner Reba McEntire, and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Diana Ross will appear as presenters. Music's Biggest Night® — hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J — takes place live on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Dial Global, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy®'s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

The Civil Wars and Foster The People each have two nominations. The Civil Wars are up for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Barton Hollow" and Best Folk Album for Barton Hollow. Foster The People have nods in Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Pumped Up Kicks" and Best Alternative Music Album for Torches.

Three-time GRAMMY winners Maroon 5 are nominated in Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Moves Like Jagger" (with Christina Aguilera).

Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include Adele (in her first live performance since undergoing vocal cord surgery last fall); Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson; Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood; Chris Brown; Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton; Coldplay and Rihanna; deadmau5; Foo Fighters; David Guetta; Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt; Lil Wayne; Bruno Mars; Paul McCartney; Nicki Minaj; Katy Perry; Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band; and Taylor Swift. Aldean, The Band Perry, The Civil Wars, deadmau5, Foster The People, Guetta, Minaj, Parker and Shelton will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time. Previously announced presenters are Marc Anthony, Dierks Bentley, Jack Black, Drake, Fergie, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ryan Seacrest, Ringo Starr, and Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson. LL COOL J has hosted "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy®. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible partof our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on YouTube, Tumblr, Foursquare, GetGlue, and Instagram.

# # #

Awesome Videos by GRAMMY-Nominee "David Sharpe & The PapaHugs Band" Up for "Best Children's Album" This Weekend! Wish us luck!!

2012-02-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Beach Boys Reunite On GRAMMY Stage with Maroon5 and Foster the People

2012-02-08T07:57:00.000-08:00

THE BEACH BOYS TO REUNITE ON THE GRAMMY® STAGE AND JOIN WITH GRAMMY NOMINEES
FOSTER THE PEOPLE AND MAROON 5 FOR A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE

THE CIVIL WARS, DIANA KRALL,MACEO PARKER, AND JOE WALSH ADDED TO THE LINEUP FOR
THE 54TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS®

Common, Taraji P. Henson, Reba McEntire,
and Diana Ross Set to Present
at the Music Industry's Premier Event

Music's Biggest Night® — Hosted by Rapper/Actor LL COOL J —
Airs Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 ET/PT

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2012) —The Beach Boys — Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks, who have not performed together live in more than two decades — will reunite on the GRAMMY® stage and join with current GRAMMY nominees Foster The People and Maroon 5 for a special performance; and current nominees The Civil Wars, two-time GRAMMY winner Diana Krall, funk artist Maceo Parker, and six-time GRAMMY winner Joe Walsh have been added to the stellar lineup for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com). Two-time GRAMMY winner Common, actor Taraji P. Henson, two-time GRAMMY winner Reba McEntire, and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Diana Ross will appear as presenters. Music's Biggest Night® — hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J — takes place live on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Dial Global, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy®'s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

The Civil Wars and Foster The People each have two nominations. The Civil Wars are up for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Barton Hollow" and Best Folk Album for Barton Hollow. Foster The People have nods in Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Pumped Up Kicks" and Best Alternative Music Album for Torches.

Three-time GRAMMY winners Maroon 5 are nominated in Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Moves Like Jagger" (with Christina Aguilera).

Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include Adele (in her first live performance since undergoing vocal cord surgery last fall); Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson; Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood; Chris Brown; Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton; Coldplay and Rihanna; deadmau5; Foo Fighters; David Guetta; Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt; Lil Wayne; Bruno Mars; Paul McCartney; Nicki Minaj; Katy Perry; Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band; and Taylor Swift. Aldean, The Band Perry, The Civil Wars, deadmau5, Foster The People, Guetta, Minaj, Parker and Shelton will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time. Previously announced presenters are Marc Anthony, Dierks Bentley, Jack Black, Drake, Fergie, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ryan Seacrest, Ringo Starr, and Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson. LL COOL J has hosted "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy®. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible partof our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on YouTube, Tumblr, Foursquare, GetGlue, and Instagram.

# # #

YESTERDAY'S SUPER BOWL SURPASSES LAST YEAR'S RECORD-MAKING TV EVENT TO BECOME THE MOST WATCHED TELEVISION EVENT IN HISTORY W/ 111.3 MILLION WORLDWIDE

2012-02-06T12:07:00.000-08:00

With the time-adjusted ratings in, last night’s Super Bowl XLVI squeaked past last year’s game to rank as the most watched U.S. TV program in history. The tight New York Giants-New England Patriots contest, won by the Giants, averaged 111.3 million viewers vs. 111 million who tuned in last January for the Green Bay-Pittsburgh face-off. The big game has been holding the record for most watched TV broadcast since 2010 when the Super Bowl (106.5 million) edged the series finale of M*A*S*H in 1983 (106 million). The record, which had been untouched for 27 years, was broken again by last year’s Super Bowl (111 million) and then again last night. Super Bowl viewership has now grown for eight consecutive years.

Here is historic data for the last 10 Super Bowl telecasts:
Feb 5, 2012 NBC 11.3 million
Feb 7, 2011 Fox 111.0 million
Feb 7, 2010 CBS 106.5 million
Feb 1, 2009 NBC 98.7 million
Feb 3, 2008 Fox 97.4 million
Feb 4, 2007 CBS 93.2 million
Feb 5, 2006 ABC 90.7 million

Great Stats for the Big Madonna Concert This Weekend ;)

2012-02-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

(thanks AdAge Stat of the Day!!)

How about "Back to Being Creative"?

2012-02-02T16:08:00.000-08:00

http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/will-back-to-the-future-find-its-way-to-broadway-stage/

Wow the Oscars Can't Catch a Break This Year...

2012-02-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

Kodak’s bankruptcy has left studios out millions and the landlord for the Oscar theater in the market for a new sponsor.

Since the Academy Awards moved to the Kodak Theater at Hollywood & Highland a decade ago, the 131-year-old company’s name has been synonymous with the Academy Awards.
That could soon change. On Wednesday, the 131-year company asked a U.S. bankruptcy court judge to allow it to get out of its $75 million naming rights deal with the real estate company behind the complex.
If Kodak gets approval to withdraw its sponsorship, CIM Group, the developer of the mall, is free to seek another corporate sponsor. But the motion picture academy's board of governors can veto the choice.
“If they wanted to name it gogo.com, we'd have a problem with that. But that's their deal, we're not a part of it,” Tom Sherak, the Academy’s president, told TheWrap.
“I guess you would say we have the right to disapprove, not approve,” he added. “Let's say they brought in Dell, we probably wouldn't disapprove that. We don't approve, but if it was something that didn't work, we'd disapprove.”
Kodak says that given its recent financial headaches, it can no longer justify the more than $4 million it pays in fees for those naming rights.
“Kodak is proud of its important role in the Entertainment industry, and our long standing relationship with film makers,” Christopher Veronda, a spokesman for Kodak, said in a statement to TheWrap. “Our motion today reflects our commitment to ensure that we are maximizing value for our entertainment customers, creditors and other stakeholders.”

The filing states that Kodak pays a significant annual amount for, among other things, the naming rights related to the Kodak. “The Debtors have evaluated the Contract in consultation with their professional advisors and determined that any benefit related to these rights likely does not exceed or equal the Debtors’ costs associated with the Contract,” it states.
The Academy's Board of Governors is weighing a move to a new venue, but if it does not, it can nix potential sponsors.

That might be a moot point. In December, the Academy exercised an option in its 20-year deal with the owner of the Kodak that allows it to consider other venues before deciding whether to recommit to the Kodak for the final 10 years of its contract. If it does not find another location, it can always stay at the the theater.
Regardless of what happens with the Oscars, if other corporate christenings are any indication, it might even be able to make more money on the naming rights.
For example, Citigroup paid $400 million over 20 years in 2009 to have its name emblazoned above the Mets Stadium in Queens, N.Y.

Thanks to MJ Glee Can "SCREAM"!

2012-02-01T10:46:00.001-08:00

http://www.thewrap.com/tv/column-post/ratings-michael-jackson-tribute-gives-glee-win-34994

Her Madgesty is Back & Here is a Peek at Her New Album Cover Artwor: SASS!

2012-01-31T15:48:00.000-08:00

GRAMMY Nominees David Sharp & Jeremy Hoenig of "David Sharpe & PapaHugs Band"

2012-01-31T02:57:00.000-08:00

With their album "Are We There Yet?" Nominated for Best Children's Album at the upcoming 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 12, 2012, David Sharpe and his nephew Jeremy Hoenig celebrate their nomination in GRAMMY Style at the San Francisco Recording Academy Chapter Nominee Celebration this past weekend! Second photo is Laura Sharpe and David Sharpe. Photo Below is the PapaHugs Band-- Tim Volpicella, David Sharpe, Jeremy Hoenig and Carol Meyado (not pictured Ed Ivey). Find out more about PapaHugs at...DavidSharpeMusic.com and see what The Recording Academy has to say about them at...GRAMMY.com

Deborah Cox Charts 11th #1 on Billboard Dance Charts

2012-01-27T03:38:00.000-08:00

Congratulations goes out to my friend multi-platinum singer/actress Deborah Cox who last week nailed her 11th #1 Billboard Dance song with "If It Wasn't for Love." I was with her when she clocked #10 with U R Beautiful and it's just amazing for her to hit #11. It puts her in Beyonce territory when it comes to Dance hits. Congrats, diva. I love ya!

http://www.deborahcox.com/deborah-earns-her-11th-1-on-billboard-club-chart/

GRAMMY/MUSIC INDUSTRY EXPERT RON ROECKER PROVIDES FUN FACTS AND INSIDER INISIGHTS -- BOOK HIM NOW!

2012-01-26T23:04:00.000-08:00

"Ron is smart, savvy and the go-to guy for all things music and Grammys. I can rely on him to deliver accurate, insightful expertise cued-up and ready-to-go; I can count on him to be very engaging and entertaining. His on-air/on-camera delivery is effortless and charming!" -- Leeza Gibbons , Emmy-winning TV Personality

“Ron is the GRAMMY Guy.” – Ryan Seacrest

THE GRAMMY AWARDS MADE SWEEPING, HISTORIC CHANGES EARLIER THIS YEAR & CUT ALMOST 30% OF ALL CATEGORIES
(FROM 109 CATEGORIES LAST YEAR TO 78 THIS SEASON)

Will Betty White Beat Fey’s “Bossypants” for Best Spoken Word Album? Gaga is first artist in history to have the first three albums released all be nominated for Album of the year! More Fun Facts like that!

RON W. ROECKER – GRAMMY EXPERT/INDUSTRY INSIDER

20-Year Entertainment Industry Vet; former VP Comms & Artist Relations, GRAMMY Awards for six years; currently Founder & President, Entertainment PR & Brand Marketing Company Enfluence Group

Recent Awards Shows/Outlets:

· Featured on E! True Hollywood Stories for both Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake; as well as specials, including “30 Celebrity Near Death Experiences,” and consulted for Michael Jackson’s Las Vegas Auction.

· Has been a guest on Leeza Gibbons’ nationally syndicated radio show “Hollywood Confidential” as well as Westwood One Radio Networks, ABC Radio Networks and numerous programs on Sirius/XM.

· He has appeared on news and entertainment programs, including “Entertainment Tonight,” “Access Hollywood,” E!, TV Guide Network, MTV, CNN, Extra, ”CBS Early Show,” as well as featured in international segments for outlets from Japan, China, UK, Latin America, and Canada, among others.

· Roecker was featured on E! Entertainment giving insight into last year’s Oscar campaigning, answering questions, including “Will Kutcher Kill Portman’s Chance for an Oscar?,”

· Recently was Hollywood guest on Alycia Kaback’s “IT FACTOR” podcast currently available on iTunes.

· Twitter: @enfluencer Blog: BeDifferently.com

54^thGRAMMYs Topics & Tidbits

What was the rationale for the huge change in category structure and what categories have been completely omitted, which have been combined and/or renamed and why?
Why are there no longer “Best Female” and “Best Male” categories?
What’s the difference between Record of the Year and Song of the Year?
Who votes for the Grammys? Did you know not everyone votes for every category – but everyone does vote on the same four categories (know what they are and why they do it this way?)
What is The Recording Academy doing to right and wrong when it comes to staying relevant?
Any idea what some new categories might be in the foreseeable future with challenges and opportunities facing the music industry? Ron can tell you.

Ron can discuss GRAMMY history, politics, industry gossip, sales impact of nominations, categories, Artists/back stories behind the GRAMMYs, process/road to GRAMMYs, and more.

In-Depth Knowledge & On-Camera Experience

Ron has been inside, backstage and on stage with the entertainment and pop culture communities for the past 20 years, working with the biggest celebrities and brands in the world. His knowledge, passion, wit, charisma and charm have made him the music go-to expert for breaking news, entertainment programming and original content development producers

Celebrity Insights

Celebrities with whom Ron has worked or is working Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, OneRepublic, Gwen Stefani, Common, Beyonce, Bono, Carrie Underwood, Madonna, Twilight’s Booboo Stewart, Roberta Flack, Cher, Pete Wentz, Zac Efron, Ludacris, Christina Aguilera, Fergie, Will.I.Am, Kanye West, P!nk, Mary J. Blige, Patricia Heaton, Ricky Martin, Green Day, Jessica Simpson, Amy Grant, Queen Latifah, Gloria Estefan, Juanes, Stevie Nicks just to name a few.

Bookings/ Kimberly Moran Ron Roecker 818.694.3103 310.384l65

Kimberly@enfluencegroup.com ron@enfluencegroup.com

My Friend Amy Loftus Finally Asked to "Surrender"

2012-01-25T04:49:00.000-08:00

Amy Loftus and I went to college together and during college no one knew she was a closet singer/songwrier. She decided after college she was going to be just that so she taught herself how to play the guitar and moved to Nashville. Working with some great producers, such as my friend Garth Fundis, Amy did well but it wasn't Hollywood. She moved here about 5 years ago and she has been working her arse off -- singing, performing, writing, networking. I'm very proud to say that she and one of her songs that she wrote "Surrender" were picked to be on the new Katharine Heigl movie, "One for the Money." Check it out on iTunes and please support her. She deserves all the good graces, fame and fortune she wants. She's a really talented person who has such a humanity about her...

Multiplatinum artsts Akon and (my friend) Deborah Cox Release "No Labels": An anthem that Democrats & Republicans in this Country Must Start Singing

2012-01-24T13:34:00.000-08:00

Penned & Produced by Akon; Performed by Deborah Cox
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The long-awaited No Labels Anthem is now featured in the iTunes Music Store and available for purchase for 99 cents. Written by Grammy award-winning platinum artist Akon and performed by Grammy-nominated platinum artist Deborah Cox, the song's proceeds will help fund No Labels, a citizens' movement of Democrats, Republicans and Independents by empowering our leaders to work across the aisle. Recently, No Labels launched its Make Congress Work! action plan, which features a dozen common sense proposals to combat the gridlock and hyperpartisanship that make it virtually impossible to deal with America's serious challenges.

"When I told Akon about No Labels, he was so inspired that he stayed up all night to write this song," said No Labels co-founder Lisa Borders. "The No Labels Anthem speaks to our fellow citizens of every persuasion who are not being served by a partisan, dysfunctional Congress. We want our leaders to work together - like the words and melody of this iconic song - to do what's best for the 'indivisible' United States of America."

"The No Labels mission moved me to get involved and perform this song," said Cox, who has 11 number-one Billboard dance singles. "To citizens like me, Congress is like an orchestra where every member is trying to play their instrument louder than the next. That makes for bad music and its made for bad government. Our leaders need to put aside their differences and work together for the good of the country."

The No Labels Anthem debuts on the day of the president's State of the Union address, where over 196 members of Congress will be sitting with members of the opposite party. No Labels has made bipartisan seating at the State of the Union and all joint meetings of Congress one of the 12 proposals in its Make Congress Work! action plan.

The No Labels Anthem can be purchased on iTunes here and the album cover and lyrics can be viewed here.

No Labels is a group of Republicans, Democrats and Independents who want our government to work again. Our dozen proposals to Make Congress Work! mostly don't require new laws or new spending, and don't favor any party or particular cause. These are simple, straightforward proposals to break gridlock, promote constructive discussion and reduce polarization in Congress. They can mostly be adopted all at once when the next Congress convenes in January 2013.

For more information on the No Labels Anthem, the Make Congress Work! action plan or to arrange an interview with a No Labels co-founder, please contact Sarah Feldman at press@nolabels.org or (202) 588-1990. To learn more about No Labels, please visit www.NoLabels.org.
Contact: Sarah Feldman at 202-588-1990 or press@nolabels.org

Building Trust is Your Greatest Opportunity for Long-Term Success Today

2012-01-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

National Distrust: Trust in Government Suffers a Severe Breakdown Across the Globe — Credibility of Governmental Officials and CEOs Experience Biggest Drops Ever, Edelman's Just-Released 2012 Trust Barometer Finds | Bulldog Reporter

Seal & The Super Model "Grew Apart"

2012-01-23T06:44:00.000-08:00

Super Model Heidi Klum and GRAMMY-winner Seal confirm that they are splitting after almost seven years of marriage.

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, the Project Runway host and the singer say:

"While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate.

"We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart. This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition.

"We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children's sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy."

The couple are parents to Leni, 7, Henry, 6, Johan, 5, and Lou, 2.

Two's Company: Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt Meet after 30 Years of Not Speaking

2012-01-21T12:08:00.000-08:00

Suzanne Somers and her "Three's Company" co-star, Joyce DeWitt, recently reunited after a producer on Suzanne's web show asked Joyce to make an appearance - an idea the actress-turned-author initially resisted due to bad blood between the pair that had kept them from speaking for three decades.

"I was fired for [asking] to be paid what they paid the men and everybody turned on me," Suzanne told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Thursday's Access Hollywood Live, when asked why she initially resisted rekindling the ties with Joyce after their 30-year rift.

"[Joyce] didn't back you?" Billy asked.

"Yeah, it was a problem," Suzanne replied. "[Then] I thought, you know, everybody's gone from that show. John [Ritter] is dead, Norman [Fell] is dead, Audra [Lindley] is dead, the producers are all dead...

"It's just me and Joyce, and we shared a moment in time that will never be again," she added.

After giving the situation some thought, Suzanne decided to go ahead with the reunion with Joyce and said the meeting was incredibly moving.

"So she comes out and it was so emotional," Suzanne told Billy and Kit of Joyce's appearance on her web series, "Suzanne Somers Breaking Through." "Here I'm looking at someone who I spent such a moment in time with and I hadn't seen her for 30 years and she looks great - you should watch!"

Suzanne admitted the emotional reunion brought up painful memories from the past - especially the sudden loss of their former "Three's Company" cohort John Ritter, who died tragically in 2003 at the age of 54.

"Of course I cried. I mean, it was just like, what a waste," she said of the feelings that bubbled to the surface at the sight of Joyce. "And then it made me think of John and how awful it is that John is gone. I still can't believe John Ritter is gone."

In addition to mending relationship fences, Suzanne - whose latest book, "The Sexy Forever Recipe Bible" is available in stores now - said her health is also on the mend after a bout with breast cancer led to a disfiguring lumpectomy.
Click HERE to hear Suzanne explain how stem cells brought about her miraculous cosmetic recovery!

Etta James: The "At Last" Singer Will Live On

2012-01-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

I had the great fortune of meeting Ms. Etta James when I worked for The Recording Academy. There are many celebrities that light up a room when you are in their presence which is one of the reasons they are famous, I'm sure of it. However, Ms. James not only lit up the room, she commanded it with a gentle yet powerful soul. It's difficult to put into words how she moved me when I met her. You get an idea when you hear her sing. That's what I will remember about her. The gentle woman with the powerful voice and deep soul. Ron

NEWS RELEASE
Recording Academy Statement re: Etta James
Jan. 20, 2012

Three-time GRAMMY® winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Etta James leaves behind a dynamic legacy spanning six decades. Her music knew no boundaries as she explored diverse genres including blues, soul, R&B, rock and roll, gospel and jazz. She will forever be remembered for her timeless ballad “At Last,” and a powerful voice that will echo around the world for generations to come. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, fans and all who have been stirred by her soulful songs and passion for music.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy®

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Enfluence Group Announces "MyENFLUENCE" for Arts-Related & Cause-Oriented Organizations & Brands

2012-01-20T03:52:00.000-08:00

ENFLUENCE GROUP LAUNCHES “MyENFLUENCE^sm”OFFERING ARTS-RELATED AND CAUSE-ORIENTED ORGANIZATIONS & ARTISTS HOURLY AND BUNDLED ENTERTAINMENT PR, BRAND MARKETING, SOCIAL MEDIA & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

CONSULTING SERVICES

-- MyENFLUENCE™ Includes Discounted Non-Profit Rates, Affordable Pro Dev Training, and Access to Enfluence Group’s One Million + Social Media Connect Network --

LOS ANGELES (January 20, 2012) –Enfluence Group, the award-winning entertainment PR & Brand Marketing agency known for having the strategic approach of seasoned brand marketers and the influential network of traditional Hollywood publicists, launches its new MyENFLUENCE^sm services for arts-related and cause-oriented brands, it was announced today by Ron W. Roecker, Enfluence Group Founder & Chief Brand Navigator. The hourly or bundled services under MyENFLUENCE include PR, brand marketing, social media, entertainment marketing, media relations, sponsorship development and activation, crisis communications prep, and professional development training.

“For brands to be successful communicators in a Social/Technological Revolution that’s characterized by a relentless firing squad of information, they must have outside-the-box creative thinking, smart and malleable Communications strategies, and relevant and flexible tactics in play at all times,” said Roecker. “In today’s economy we know there are so many arts- and cause-oriented organizations that can’t afford the standard agency monthly retainer so they end up having to manage their brands and missions on their own. MyENFLUENCE allows these organizations to tap into our vast experience and influential network on an hourly or bundled-resources basis whenever they need our expertise the most.”

When the components of MyENFLUENCE were being evaluated, Enfluence Group looked at employee retention trends as well and found two consistent messages 1) employee relations experts across the board agreed that one of the most important things employers had to do in order to retain good people currently was provide professional development training and 2) one of the first budget line items that was taken out when organizations had to tighten their belts was professional development training. So MyENFLUENCE will offer professional development training sessions, based on interest and need, in group settings where individuals from various organizations can sign up to go through the training together at a more cost-effective group rate.

“With MyENFLUENCE, if we can help these organizations thrive from a communications standpoint and help them retain their strongest talent,” added Roecker. “While creating a different revenue model for our company then it’s a total win/win for everyone involved. We look forward to a successful 2012 for all.”

To start tapping into MyENFLUENCE, send us an email at MyENFLUENCE@enfluencegroup.com with your contact information or call Ron at 310.384.5641. For more information about Enfluence Group and/or Ron Roecker, follow our blog at BeDifferently.com and Twitter (@enfluencer) and/or send us an email at info@enfluencegroup.com.

About Enfluence Group & Ron Roecker

Founded in 2008 by 20-year Entertainment Marketing Communications veteran and former VP, Comms for the GRAMMY Awards Ron Roecker, Enfluence Group is an award-winning Entertainment PR & Brand Marketing agency. Clients and projects include: NBC Universal, Xbox 360 w/ Justin Timberlake, Zac Efron and Ludacris; Persistence of Vision’s Dave Dozoretz and the Previsualization of Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol; General Electric; Invisalign Teen & Teen Choice; All-State & Latin GRAMMYs; Snickers, Starbucks & Xbox 360 at the Official GRAMMY Style Studio; Live Earth/Live Earth India with former Vice President Al Gore; Leeza Gibbons’ Memory Foundation & Novartis Pharmaceuticals; World Wildlife Fund’s International Earth Hour; as well as multi-platinum artists OneRepublic; legendary group Cheap Trick; multiple GRAMMY Award winning legend Roberta Flack; multi-platinum singer/actress Deborah Cox; and company launches and ongoing publicity for award-winning Executive Producer Salli Frattini’s Sunset Lane Entertainment, and award-winning entrepreneur Tammy Hurt’s Placement Music. Stay tuned for the launch of RealSing.org, “Let It Be: Roberta Flack Covers Songs of the Beatles” - the first CD in seven years from the 4-time GRAMMY winning legend, and singer/songwriter Tina Malia’s debut pop album. Enfluence Group is 100 percent carbon neutral through carbonfund.org, and is headquartered in Los Angeles.

Ron Roecker is tapped by national and international broadcast, print and online media throughout the year as an entertainment/music/GRAMMY expert and has appeared on/in E!, CNN, MTV, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Extra, TV Guide Network, Today Show, BBC, Wowow Japan, Variety, Billboard, USA Today, NY Times, and XM/Sirius Radio, just to name a few. To book an interview with Ron for this year’s 54^th GRAMMY Awards Feb. 12, contact Kimberly Moran-Blad at Kimberly@enfluencegroup.com.

# # #

CONTACT:

Kimberly Moran-Blad Ron Roecker

Kimberly@enfluencegroup.com Ron@enfluencegroup.com

818-694-3103 310.384.5641

Reality Show veteran raising funding for independent film "Altered Reality" if you can help

2012-01-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

Bateman and McCarthy: A Comedy Duo from the Gods

2012-01-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

I think Jason Bateman is one of the most underappreciated comedic actors around. He's my favorite of funny guys because he's not funny...he's witty. Pair that with the unmatched physical comedy and timing of Bridesmaid's scene-stealer Melissa McCarthy and "Identity" has the makings of a gut-busting megahit.

From Deadline Hollywood:
Horrible Bosses helmer Seth Gordon is re-teaming with Jason Bateman On Identity Theft, the Universal comedy that will star Bateman and Melissa McCarthy. The script was originated by Jerry Eeten, and then rewritten by Steve Conrad and then Craig Mazin rewrote. Bateman and Scott Stuber are producing and Peter Morgan is exec producer. The premise was originally for a guy whose identity is stolen by another guy, and it was written for Bateman and another actor. That changed after Bateman saw McCarthy’s-scene stealing performance in last summer’s hit Universal comedy Bridesmaids and he pushed for her to be the identity thief.

Thanks to that film, her Emmy- winning work in Mike & Molly and her memorable physical comedy work hosting Saturday Night Live, McCarthy’s become the brightest female physical comedy star to come along in years. The WME-repped Gordon made his mark with the 2007 documentary The King Of Kong, and he’s separately attached to direct the remake of War Games. And Horrible Bosses grossed $209 million worldwide. He’s managed by Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

Be Differently's 300th Post Salutes Dr. Martin Luther King

2012-01-15T23:25:00.000-08:00

We celebrate one of the greatest figures in this country's human rights ongoing movement with our 300th post! A bit of trivia for you: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's "I Have a Dream" Speech has been dubbed the best public speech ever given in history. And guess what? the words "I Have a Dream" were never a part of the speech that MLK originally written -- it wasn't even on paper as he started to give it. Mahalia Jackson was in attendance at the speech and she yelled out, "Tell us about the Dream, Dr. King." Then Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. began winging it...punctuating each of his sentences with "I have a dream! I have a dream!" The Recording Academy (GRAMMY Awards) actually preserved the audio recording of the speech in the National Library several years back so it always will be preserved the way he presented it. After all, he was a preacher. Not many could even imitate the delivery of such an inspired and important speech. Amen!!